Chemistry Division, Department of Services and Supply (GA223)

On July 1 1976, the Department of Chemistry merged with the State Supply Department and the Government Printing Department to form the Department of Services and Supply (1). This amalgamation occurred as these groups were service and support departments for the Government in general, but without the resources to provide personnel, financial or management services to meet their needs adequately. The work of the Department of Chemistry continued as the Chemistry Division of the Department of Services and Supply, with the Director retaining professional independence and autonomy in all specialist matters, in recognition of his role as Government Analyst, Chief Inspector of Explosives, Administrator of the Gas Act and his statutory responsibilities under nine separate Acts (2).

In 1978, the Chemistry Division moved from its Kintore Avenue offices into the new Forensic Sciences building in Divett Place.

On 1st July 1983, responsibility for the management of the Explosives and Gas Acts was transferred to the newly formed Dangerous Substances Branch of the Department of Labour (3).

In May 1989, the Department of Services and Supply changed name to the State Services Department. At this time the divisions of the department became known as business units, and began operating on a cost-recovery basis. The Chemistry Division became the State Chemistry Laboratories (4).


References:

(1) South Australian Government Gazette, 1/7/1976 p.7
(2) Department of the Public Service Board file PSB 653/1976
(3) Report of the Department of Labour for the year ending 30/6/1983, South Australian Parliamentary Paper, No. 46 of 1982/83, p.4.
(4) Report of the Auditor-General for the year ending 30/06/1989. South Australian Parliamentary Paper No. 4 of 1989, p. 181.